MKO 22nd LEGISLATIVE GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Annual General Assembly Opaskwayak Cree Nation
September 9, 10, 11, 2003

This report summarizes the activities of the Health Framework Agreement ( HFA ) Initiative for Fiscal Year 2002 / 2003.

Glen Sanderson was hired in July 2002 - September 2002 to compile the information gathered to date and prepare a concept paper on the MKO Health Framework Agreement Initiative.

The concept paper would include the table of contents, organizational charts, research and information gathering, resolution, recommendations, level of services provided to MKO First Nations, the Provincial, Federal and local structures, identifying the model and the process of MKO. The former HFA Coordinator, Denise Cook wrote letters to First Nations requesting information on services gaps, services programs but there was only a few responses from the community level.

The MKO Health Technicians met on August 9, 2002 to provide input into the concept of the governance model. The MKO HFA Working group consists of Elizabeth Bear and Garry Munroe with alternates Alice Spence and Howard Halcrow. One government model was explained in which that each band comes together as a circle of governance and there is no central authority and everybody helps each other. It was mentioned that MKO needs to be more of a coordinator. The group agreed with the model as presented and thought it was a good concept.

Some comments and recommendations include:

• Get the concept started and take it back to the Chiefs to see if it will have support
• This Frame Agreement is a long development process
• There has to be a good concept out forth to ensure that there is cooperation and support from all the Health Technicians
• Need more input from the other Health Technicians
• It is important to receive feedback from the communities
• Draft will have to be taken back to each Chief and Council to determine exactly what the Frame work Agreement is set to achieve
• MKO is trying to create a health authority so that everybody can benefit from the whole thing. This will be a very long development process. If MKO has the opportunity to do something positive, why not take the chance.

The MKO met with Mr. Greg Graceffo, Regional Director - FNIHB MB. Region on November 26, 2002 and the HFA was on the agenda. Grand Chief Francis Flett commented that the intent of the HFA was to gradually take over the health system for the north. He mentioned that the MKO and FNIHB need to sit down and discuss the HFA more openly. Mr. Graceffo agreed to a have a separate meeting to discuss the HFA.

Another meeting was held with the MKO Health Technicians of November 27 & 28, 2002. Day one, November 27, 2002 concentrated at community and common issues. Glen Anderson made a presentation on the HFA workplan and update. Discussion surrounded on the concept of an Agreement in Principle which will be drafted.

The MKO met with Regional Director on January 24, 2003 to discuss the HFA and other health issues. The Regional Director was informed the MKO needs additional support to complete more work in regards to the HFA Initiative.

A request for support will be submitted separately to FNIHB outlining the additional work and fiscal support to finalize the HFA Initiative.